News came out two days ago that Manny Paquiao's upcoming May 2 fight with Great Britain's Ricky Hatton will no longer be shown exclusive through Solar Sports, with Manny's camp coming close to a deal with a "giant network." Before this news came out, the Pacman's earlier fights were aired by Solar Sports through GMA-7, but this time, it would be aired directly by the "giant network"—that is, if the deal comes through.

Manny has two existing shows in GMA-7—the primetime series Totoy Bato with Robin Padilla and Regine Velasquez and the weekly show Pinoy Records with basketball heartthrob Chris Tiu.

"GIANT NETWORK" REVEALED.  It turns out that the "giant network" is ABS-CBN, Pacman's former media partner. A statement from the Kapamilya network was sent to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) earlier tonight, March 18, confirming its deal with Manny's camp and therefore, getting the rights to air Manny's May 2 fight.

The statement from ABS-CBN's Head of Corporate Comunications, Mr. Bong Osorio, is as follows:

"We are very happy with the decision of Manny Pacquiao to be his partner in future fights including the Pacquiao-Hatton fight on May 2. As his former media partner, we shall support Manny's campaign to bring honor to the Philippines and to his kababayans here and around the world. To Manny, we say 'Welcome home, Kapamilya.'"

SOLAR SPORTS: "THE CONTRACT IS STILL VALID." The deal between Manny's camp and ABS-CBN has had a harmonious start but it may have irked Solar Sports. Solar Sports expressed its disappointment with Manny's decision to cut short their contract, claiming that the contract with the boxer is still valid.

Solar's legal counsel Atty. Enrique dela Cruz Jr added, "Naniniwala po ang Solar na ang kontrata nila kay Manny Pacquiao ay valid at binding pa. Hindi ito maaaring labagin ni Manny Pacquiao at ng ABS-CBN."

Solar has yet to hear from Manny concerning this issue though they revealed that Manny has sent them a letter stating that he wanted to end his contract with them.

For Solar, they are ready to file cases against anyone—be it Manny or ABS-CBN—who would violate the contract's agreement.  

Manny is currently busy training in the United States for his fight against Hatton.